DL-malic Acid Research Articles

Efficient leaching of valuable metals from spent lithium-ion batteries using green deep eutectic solvents: Process optimization, mechanistic analysis, and environmental impact assessment

The accumulation of over 11 million tons of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) by 2030 highlights a critical environmental challenge posed by their large-scale retirement. The efficient recycling valuable metals from spent LIBs can both reduces environmental impact and mitigates the pressing issue of metal resource scarcity. In this context, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have become a promising option as an eco-friendly solvent, exhibiting great potential for recycling spent LIBs. Therefore, this work proposed an innovative green DES system consisting of choline chloride (ChCl), DL-malic acid (MAL), and glycerol for the efficient leaching of valuable metals from spent LIBs. Comprehensive experiments were conducted to determine the optimum leaching conditions (130 °C, 60 g/L, MChCl:MAL:Glycerol of 1:1:3, 3 h), achieving high leaching efficiencies of 94.6% for Ni, 96.8% for Co, 93.8% for Mn, and 96.4% for Li. Through characterization techniques, kinetics studies, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the leaching process was predominantly governed by surface chemical reaction (1-(1-x)1/3 = kt) within the shrinking core model, exhibited activation energies of 49.89 kJ/mol, 47.66 kJ/mol, 50.51 kJ/mol, and 22.24 kJ/mol for Ni, Co, Mn, and Li, respectively. The propensity for DES to leach metal ions followed the order: Li > Co > Ni > Mn, determined by binding energy and energy gaps. Cl− and −COOH within the DES were capable of forming stable complexes with reduced transition metal ions, revealing an efficient coordination leaching mechanism. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted on the environmental impacts of the DES leaching process, confirming it as an effective and environmentally friendly method for recycling spent LIBs. This work avoided the employment of corrosive acids and alleviated the generally harsh conditions associated with DESs leaching, providing a viable solution for recovering spent LIBs.

Synergistic effects of deep eutectic solvents on the morphology and performance of polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes

This study investigates the synthesis of flat sheet asymmetric Polysulfone (PSF) membranes using the Non-Solvent Induced Phase Separation (NIPS) method, enhanced by incorporating Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) composed of Choline Chloride (ChCl) and DL-Malic Acid (MA). The research explores the individual and combined effects of ChCl and MA on membrane morphology and performance. Comprehensive characterization techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-UATR), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), were employed to analyze the structural and surface properties of the membranes. Key performance metrics such as Pure Water Permeability (PWP), protein and dye rejection, fouling behavior, porosity, surface hydrophilicity, and mechanical strength were evaluated. Results demonstrated that integrating DES into the PSF matrix significantly improved membrane properties. The 3% DES membrane exhibited the highest Pure Water Permeability (PWP) of 186.82 L/m2h/bar, the lowest water contact angle of 68.8°, and optimal balance in surface roughness parameters, leading to superior antifouling properties with high flux recovery ratio (FRR) and balanced reversible (Rr) and irreversible fouling (Rir) components. The ChCl (HBA) membrane displayed a notable PWP of 121.62 L/m2h/bar, large pore sizes (42.72 nm), and moderate surface roughness (Ra of 3.32 nm). In contrast, the MA (HBD) membrane demonstrated the highest hydrophilicity with the lowest contact angle (70.7°) and a compact, robust structure, despite its smallest pore sizes and lack of permeability. The findings underscore the synergistic effect of DES formation in the membrane, improving overall performance for ultrafiltration applications. This study provides valuable insights into the distinct roles of ChCl as an HBA and MA as an HBD in DES-modified PSF membranes, revealing their individual contributions and the importance of optimizing DES components and concentrations for specific filtration applications.

Computational Support to Explore Ternary Solid Dispersions of Challenging Drugs Using Coformer and Hydroxypropyl Cellulose.

A majority of drugs marketed in amorphous formulations have a good glass-forming ability, while compounds less stable in the amorphous state still pose a formulation challenge. This work explores ternary solid dispersions of two model drugs with a polymer (i.e., hydroxypropyl cellulose) and a coformer as stabilizing excipients. The aim was to introduce a computational approach by preselecting additives using solubility parameter intervals (i.e., overlap range of solubility parameter, ORSP) followed by more advanced COSMO-RS theory modeling. Thus, a mapping of calculated mixing enthalpy and melting points is proposed for in silico evaluation prior to hot melt extrusion. Following experimental testing of process feasibility, the selected formulations were tested for their physical stability using conventional bulk analytics and by confocal laser scanning and atomic force microscopy imaging. In line with the in silico screening, dl-malic and l-tartaric acid (20%, w/w) in HPC formulations showed no signs of early drug crystallization after 3 months. However, l-tartaric acid formulations displayed few crystals on the surface, which was likely a humidity-induced surface phenomenon. Although more research is needed, the conclusion is that the proposed computational small-scale extrusion approach of ternary solid dispersion has great potential in the formulation development of challenging drugs.

Revealing the sterilization impact on paprika fingerprint: Key markers identified using untargeted metabolomics by liquid chromatography-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry

Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) is a popular spice known for its unique properties. Spices are susceptible to microbiological risks arising from harvest factors such as high moisture or environmental contamination. To ensure microbiological safety, post-harvest processing based on heat sterilization, free of chemicals and radiation, is becoming essential in the European market. This study introduces a novel metabolomics approach using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap-high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to assess the sterilization impact on paprika's metabolomic composition. Sterilized and untreated samples were distinguished by OPLS-DA, achieving perfect predictability with high-quality parameters (R2Y = 0.988, Q2 = 0.904). The methodology identified 19 key markers, including fatty acids, amino acids, etc. Sterilization reduced fatty acids such as linoleic acid but increased other metabolites such as DL-malic acid and flazin. This research introduces new metabolomics strategies to ensure paprika quality and other valuable spices, focusing on unexplored sterilization processes.

Comprehensive profiling and authentication of porcine, bovine, and goat bone gelatins through UHPLC-HRMS metabolomics and chemometric strategies

Gelatin is a derivative that can be obtained from the bones of animals such as bovine, goat, and porcine. Ensuring the halal status of gelatin is crucial due to the combination of gelatin derived from bovines and goats mixed with porcine gelatin in order to enhance the stability of its physico-chemical properties for application in food and cosmetic applications. This study aims to authenticate the halal status of gelatin by utilizing the metabolomics analysis approach using UHPLC-HRMS in combination with chemometrics. The study's findings showed that PCA analysis clearly distinguished the metabolite profiles of bone gelatins obtained from porcine, bovine, and goat sources. Cluster analysis identified distinct metabolic characteristics in bone gelatins derived from bovine, goat, and porcine. Fifteen potential metabolites were identified by PLS-DA for the halal authentication of gelatin. These metabolites include terephthalic acid, 5,5'-[(6Z)-6-Tetradecene-1,14-diyl]bis (1,3-benzenediol), 1,2-Cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester, 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde, D-(+)-Pyroglutamic acid, 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde, Dodecyl sulfate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, Nicotinamide, dl-Malic acid, NP-011548, 4-Nitrocatechol, 1-Linoleoyl glycerol, Olomoucine, and Myristyl sulfate. The study findings indicated that bone gelatins derived from bovine, goat, and porcine sources exhibit distinct profiles of metabolites. Metabolomics, when paired with chemometrics, is a discriminative approach for determining the halal status of gelatin.

Effect and mechanism of Tricholoma matsutake extract combined with bakuchiol and ergothioneine on UVB-induced skin aging.

Aging is a physiological phenomenon in the process of life, and skin aging has a significant impact on human appearance. Therefore, the search for methods to delay skin aging is of great significance for improving the quality of human life. This study investigated the anti-photoaging effect of Tricholoma matsutake (T) extract composition combined with bakuchiol (B) and ergothioneine (E), and explored its potential mechanism through transcriptome, metabolomics, and network pharmacology. 57 main chemical components are identified from the ethanol extract of T. matsutake (T), including D-carnitine (24.55%), α,α-trehalose (15.56%), DL malic acid (8.99%), D-(-)-quinic acid (7.46%), erucamide (7.04%) and so on. After TBE treatment, inflammation of the mice dorsal skin is significantly minimized. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and toluidine blue staining reveal that TBE has an anti-inflammatory effect on the back skin tissue of mice. Masson staining shows that TBE has a repair effect on mice dorsal skin tissue. In addition, the inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in the mice dorsal skin tissues are significantly reduced but collagen (COL-1) is significantly increased. By cellular immunofluorescence assay, TBE is shown to promote PPAR-α expression in cells. Transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology have revealed that TBE can regulate exogenous stimuli and cancer-related signaling pathways to prevent skin aging. The results suggest that TBE can be a beneficial supplement to natural anti-aging.

Assembly of Y(III)-containing antimonotungstates induced by malic acid with catalytic activity for the synthesis of imidazoles

A dimeric Y(III)-containing antimonotungstate [Y4(H2O)8(mal)2(OAc)O(Sb2WV2WVI19O72)2]21− (Y4mal2, H3mal = dl-malic acid), resembling a “handshake” configuration, was synthesized and characterized. The polyanion of Y4mal2 consists of two Dawson-derived {Y2Sb2W21} moieties that are further linked by two mal ligands and one μ2-bridging acetate to form an asymmetric polyanion. Notably, the chiral configuration induced by the d- or l-configuration of the mal ligand results in both {Y2Sb2W21} moieties within one polyanion exhibiting identical chirality, leading to the racemate crystallization of Y4mal2. Moreover, Y4mal2 exhibits excellent Lewis acid catalytic activity for environmentally friendly synthesis of imidazoles.

Ultrasound-assisted efficient and convenient method of extracting valuable metals (Ni, Co, and Cd) from waste Ni–Cd batteries using DL-malic acid

Recycling waste Ni–Cd batteries has received much attention recently because of the serious environmental pollution they cause and to avoid the dissipation of valuable metals. Despite significant research, it is still difficult to efficiently recycle valuable and hazardous metals from waste Ni–Cd batteries in an economical and environmentally friendly manner. This study employed a novel process utilizing ultrasound-assisted leaching to recover Ni, Cd, and Co from waste nickel-cadmium (Ni–Cd) batteries. Organic DL-malic acid served as the leaching agent and H2O2 was employed as an oxidizing agent. The effects of various factors on the recovery efficiency of Ni, Cd, and Co, such as leaching temperature, time, DL-malic acid concentration, pulp density, H2O2 concentration, and ultrasound frequency, were also examined. To predict the chemical compounds present before and after the recycling experiments, the solid residues from the metal extraction were analyzed using XRD, XPS, FE-SEM, and EDS element mapping. Concurrently, ICP-OES was utilized to determine the metal content in the leachate. Under optimized conditions of 90 °C, 90 min, 2M DL-malic acid, 160 mL/g pulp density, and 20% ultrasound frequency, over 83% of Ni, 94% of Cd, and 98% of Co were effectively leached from the waste Ni–Cd battery powder. The leaching kinetics of Ni, Cd, and Co followed the surface chemical reaction control model. The activation energies (Ea) for Ni, Cd, and Co leaching were 21.34, 20.47, and 18.38 kJ/mol, respectively. The findings suggest that ultrasound-assisted leaching is an efficient, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative for extracting precious and hazardous metals from waste Ni–Cd batteries. Additionally, it reduces industrial chemical usage and enhances waste management sustainability.

Tetra-Ln3+-Implanted Tellurotungstates Covalently Modified by dl-Malic Acid: Proton Conduction and Photochromic Properties.

Three unique dl-malic acid covalently modified tetra-Ln3+-implanted tellurotungstates [H2(CH3)2]9NaH9[Ln4(H2O)14W6O13(OH)5(Mal)2(B-α-TeW9O33)4]·48H2O [Ln = La3+ (1), Ce3+ (2), Pr3+ (3); H3Mal = dl-malic acid] were fabricated by reacting Na2TeO3, Na2WO4·2H2O, Mal, and LnCl3·6H2O with dimethylamine hydrochloride in an aqueous solution. The most prominent architectural feature of these compounds is the covalent connection mode of an organic ligand and a polyoxometallate backbone, which is relatively rare in the realm of polyoxotungstates. The tetrameric polyanion can be deemed as four [TeW9O33]8- fragments fused together via an intriguing hexanuclearity [W6O13(OH)5(Mal)2Ln4(H2O)14]13+ cluster. Impedance measurements manifest that all three complexes display splendid proton conduction properties, with an exceptional conductivity for 2 up to 2.48 × 10-2 S·cm-1 under 85 °C and 95% relative humidity. Moreover, compounds 1 and 3 exhibited fast reversible photochromic properties with allochroic half-life periods t1/2 of 1.046 and 0.544 min, respectively.

The green reductive leaching of manganiferous iron ore and Mn3O4 nanoparticles production: Kinetic modeling and comparison of various reductants

BackgroundSecuring critical metals is crucial for the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies. In this regard, extracting metals from various sources and low-grade ores can lead to the sustainable production of metals. Manganese, as a strategic metal, can play a significant role in achieving this goal. MethodsIn this study, various reductants such as oxalic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, acetic acid, tannic acid, hydrogen peroxide, iron (II) sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, and DL-malic acid were used to evaluate the feasibility and comparison on the manganiferous iron ore leaching. Significant findingsDL-malic acid was chosen as the main reductant to investigate other factors because it is novel (as a reductant), eco-friendly, cost-effective, accessible, and easily storable. Therefore, more detailed studies on the dissolution of manganiferous iron ore in the presence of DL-malic acid as the reductant were carried out considering different levels of temperature, particle size, acid concentrations, and leaching time. Increasing the temperature from 298 K to 348 K notably boosted the leaching recovery from 27.00 % to 70.11 %. It was observed that decreasing the ore particle size from -212 μm to -38 μm resulted in an enhancement of leaching recovery from 57.74 % to 70.11 %. Also, adding only 250 % stoichiometry of DL-malic acid notably increased the leaching recovery to 70.11 %, compared to just 5.32 % in a reductant-free medium. It should be noted that the concentration of sulfuric acid had a direct impact on leaching recovery, increasing by 28.28 % with a concentration of 0.5 M and by 93.08 % with a concentration of 4 M. In this research work, the kinetic of the leaching process was modeled using the modified shrinking core model (MSCM). The calculated activation energy was about 33 kJ/mole, which confirmed that the mixed mechanism controlled the reaction. Mn3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized using a pregnant leach solution (PLS) and through a multi-stage co-precipitation method. In this method, hydrogen peroxide was used to modify the manganese hydroxide phase as a more eco-friendly method than other heat treatment methods. The SEM and EDX analyses revealed an average particle size of 80 nm with spherical shapes and no impurities. The XRD pattern of the synthesized nanoparticles confirmed the Mn3O4 phase composition.

Quasi-Discrete Pore Engineering via Ligand Racemization in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Thermodynamic-Kinetic Synergistic Separation of Propylene and Propane.

The adsorptive separation of propylene and propane offers an energy-efficient alternative to the conventional cryogenic distillation technology. However, developing porous adsorbents with both high equilibrium and kinetic selectivity remains extremely challenging due to the similar size and physical properties of these gases. Herein, this work reports a ligand racemization strategy to construct quasi-discrete pores in MOFs for a synergistically enhanced thermodynamic and kinetic separation performance. The use of enantiopure l-malic acid versus racemic dl-malic acid as ligands afforded isoreticular Ni-based MOFs with contrasting one-dimensional channels (l-mal-MOF) and quasi-discrete cavities connected by small windows (dl-mal-MOF). The periodic pore constrictions in dl-mal-MOF significantly increased the differentiation in diffusion rates and binding energies between propylene and propane. dl-mal-MOF exhibited an exceptional propylene uptake of 1.82 mmol/g at 0.05 bar and 298 K along with an ultrahigh equilibrium-kinetic combined selectivity of 62.6. DFT calculations and MD simulations provided insights into the synergistic mechanism of preferential propylene adsorption and diffusion. Breakthrough column experiments demonstrated the excellent separation and high-purity recovery of propylene over propane on dl-mal-MOF. The robust stability and facile regeneration highlight its potential for propylene purification applications.

Bio-metallurgical recovery of lithium, cobalt, and nickel from spent NMC lithium ion batteries: A comparative analysis of organic acid systems

With the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries, key elements like lithium, graphite, cobalt, and nickel face heightened demand and classification as critical by the European Commission. This study investigates a bio-metallurgical approach for recovering these elements from NMC/C electrode material. The method leverages Aspergillus niger's acid production capacity. Lab experiments involved leaching pyrolyzed black mass using diverse multi-acid systems, including citric, DL-malic, gluconic, and oxalic acid. Parameters such as temperature, leaching time, solid-to-liquid ratio, and molasses as a reductant were varied. Nickel and cobalt recovery rates were modest, with highest rates (13% for Ni, 25.8% for Co) in DL-malic and gluconic acid-rich setups. Maximum lithium recovery (87.9%) occurred in a citric-rich medium. Analysis revealed organo-metallic components in solid residues and formed precipitates, implying oxalic acid's role in inhibiting recovery. Therefore, optimization of acid generation is crucial for effective bio-metallurgical recovery. In summary, this study highlights the potential of Aspergillus niger-mediated bio-metallurgical processes with organic acid mixtures for sustainable recovery of critical elements from spent lithium-ion batteries. The findings contribute crucial insights into optimizing leaching parameters and underscore the significance of bioleaching in addressing the demand for key battery materials. This work has important implications for advancing eco-friendly e-waste recycling practices and aligns with the principles of resource conservation and circular economy in the energy storage sector.

Yüksek Düzeyde Konsantre Yem ve Kuru Kaba Yem İçeren Besi Sığırı Rasyonlarında DL-Malik Asitin Besi Performansı ve Rumen Parametreleri Üzerine Etkinliği

This study aimed to determine the effects of DL-malic acid supplementation in beef cattle rations containing high concentrated feed and dry forage (alfalfa hay and wheat straw) on fattening performance, carcass traits and ru- men parameters. In present study, 47 male beef cattle (19 Simmental, 28 Limousine) at the age of 14-16 months were used. Cattle breeds were divided into two groups (0 and 30 g/day of DL-malic acid). In the present study, the differ- ences in live weights, daily live weight gains and carcass weights of the control and DL-malic acid groups were found to be significant in Simmental breed (P<0.05), but insignificant in Limousine breed. The beef cattle body measurements (withers height, chest girth, rump height, body length) did not change with malic acid supplementation (P>0.05).The malic acid addition increased the molarities of acetic, butyric, propionic and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and acetic acid/ propionic acid ratio in the rumen fluid (P<0.05).The addition of malic acid had no significant effect on the number of ciliated protozoa (Entodinium, Diplodinium, Isotricha and Dasytricha) and total bacteria count in the rumen fluid (P>0.05). As a result, DL-malic acid supplementation to beef cattle ration varied with cattle breeds in terms of fattening performance, while such supplementations had positive effect on fattening in Simmental breed. Besides, the increase in TVFA and acetic, propionic and butyric acids, which are indicators of fiber and carbohydrate fermentation efficiency in the rumen, shows that malic acid has a positive effect on feed digestion in the rumen.

Acid and base catalysis of SrTiO3 nanoparticles for C–C bond-forming reactions

The development of acid–base bifunctional catalysts is important because of their cooperative activation of a substrate to promote specific chemical transformations. We investigated two C–C bond-forming reactions—cyanosilylation and Knoevenagel condensation—over Ti-based perovskite oxides synthesized by a sol–gel method using water-soluble metal precursors and dl-malic acid. Among the tested catalysts, highly pure SrTiO3 nanoparticles (23 nm) with a high specific surface area (46 m2 g–1) exhibited the highest catalytic performance for the reactions, even when it was not subjected to a thermal pretreatment. The SrTiO3 catalyst could be easily recovered by simple filtration and reused two times without a substantial loss of its performance for the Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde with phenylacetonitrile. Mechanistic studies—including studies of the effect of electron-withdrawing groups on the substrates, studies of the poisoning effect of acidic and basic additives for Knoevenagel condensation, and FT-IR measurements of probe molecules adsorbed onto the catalyst surface—revealed that acid and base sites on the catalyst surface cooperatively activate active methylene compounds with nitrile groups to promote the reactions effectively.

Direct regeneration of spent LiFePO4 materials via a green and economical one-step hydrothermal process

The rapid development of electronic devices, electric vehicles and mobile energy storage devices, has increasingly emphasized the shortage of lithium resources for us in lithium-ion batteries are developing rapidly. The key to the disposal of spent lithium-ion batteries is to carry out green and efficient regeneration. Herein, we propose a one-step hydrothermal process for the direct regeneration of spent LiFePO4. To reduce the Fe3+ in the spent LiFePO4, the hydroxyl group was oxidized to an aldehyde group via a decarburization reaction, with DL-malic acid utilized as a low-cost and environmentally friendly reducing agent. The effects of various different Li concentrations, hydrothermal times and hydrothermal temperatures on the performance of regenerated LiFePO4 were investigated. The results revealed optimal electrochemical performance under a Li concentration of 1.2 mol L−1, a hydrothermal time of 6 h, and a hydrothermal temperature of 100 °C. The cycling stability of LiFePO4 regenerated under these conditions considerably improved. The initial discharge specific capacity and the discharge specific capacity of the regenerated LFP after 200 cycles were 138.4 mAh g−1 and 136.6 mAh g−1. All coulomb efficiencies of the regenerated LFP were above 97.2 %, and the capacity retention rate was 98.7%. This developed method can therefore be considered a green and feasible means for regeneration of LiFePO4.

Exploring Untargeted metabolomics for halal authentication of Triceps brachii, Longissimus Dorsi, and Biceps femoris of meat muscles

ABSTRACT The demand for authentic meat has increased due to the growing consumption of halal meat. In this study, a combined metabolomics and chemometrics approach was employed to authenticate beef and pork samples from specific muscle groups. By using an untargeted metabolomics analysis, distinct metabolite profiles were observed in TB, LD, and BF muscles, differentiating pork from beef. Subsequently, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results confirmed the distinguishable metabolite profiles between beef and pork. Cluster analysis further revealed that the metabolites in each muscle of beef and pork have different characteristics. Additionally, Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis identified 15 potential metabolites could be used to authenticate the halal status of meat. Creatine, L-carnitine, carnosine, nicotinamide, L-phenylalanine, DL-lactic acid, acetyl L-carnitine, hypoxanthine, inosine, DL-malic acid, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, L-glutathione, Inosine-5-monophosphate (IMP), L-tyrosine, and palmitoylcarnitine is a potential metabolite to differentiate beef and pork. This study offers valuable insights into determining the halal status of meat based on metabolite profiles.

Chitin Extracted from the Shell of Blue Swimming Crabs (Portunus pelagicus Linn.) Inhibits NF-kappaB p65 in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcerative Wistar Rats.

Peptic ulcer disease is generated by the activation of NF-kappaB activity. A recent clinical study reported a significant increase in NF-kappaB2 gene expression in 79 samples of peptic ulcer patients compared to the control group. Moreover, the deacetylated chitin could alter the translocation of NF-kappaB p65 to the nucleus. Considering this, our work aims to explore the effect of chitin extracted from the shell of blue swimming crabs (Portunus pelagicus Linn.) towards NF-kappaB p65 levels in ethanol-induced gastric ulcerative Wistar rats. The shells are found abundantly as the waste of seafood processing in the northern part of West Java, Indonesia. In this study, chitin extraction was carried out using the microwave-assisted extraction method by employing choline chloride (C5H14ClNO) and DL-malic acid (C₄H₆O₅) as the solvents. The inhibitory activity assay of chitin on the expression of NF-kappaB p65 was performed by using Western blot. The extraction yielded a good quality of chitin with a deacetylation degree of 30.8026%, molecular weight of 3.35 × 105 Da, and a negligible heavy metals level. Moreover, chitin extract at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg BW significantly reduced the percentage of gastric ulcer index compared to the negative control group. Meanwhile, chitin extract at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg BW significantly inhibited NF-kappaB expression compared to the negative control group. Histopathological examination demonstrated a decrease in the number of necrotic cells and fat degeneration in the gastric mucosa and an increase in normal cells. Taken together, chitin extract obtained from the shells of blue swimming crabs may be able to prevent gastric ulcers induced by ethanol via the inhibition of NF-kappaB p65; however, further studies are needed to verify its anti-ulcerative properties.

Preparation of sintering-free non-crystalline Li2B4O7 ceramics for Li-ion battery’s binder

Li–B–O materials are used as binders for all solid-state lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). We obtained amorphous Li2B4O7 powder by heating treatment of precursor powder synthesized from Li(OAc)·2H2O, H3BO3, and DL-malic acid by solution method. Thermogravimetric differential thermal analysis results showed that crystallization of the precursor powder occurred at around 500 °C. Therefore, heating treatment was performed below 500 °C. As a result, the amorphous powder was obtained under the heating treatment conditions of 400 °C for 1 h in air. The obtained powder has softness and dense pellet was prepared by uniaxial pressure molding at RT. This material can be used for all solid-state LIBs as a new binder.

Nanostructure of aqueous ternary amino-acid-based natural deep eutectic solvents by water bridging

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have drawn significant attention as green solvents for their special properties like biodegradability and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the high viscosity of NADESs tends to prevent their implementation in industry. Even though dilution with water will lower the viscosity of NADESs effectively, fundamental knowledge of the intermolecular network in NADESs as well as the effect of water on the cooperative hydrogen-bonding network has not been evaluated systematically. Herein, solutions spanning a range of molar ratios of DL-Malic acid, L-Serine and water were synthesized. The experimental results demonstrate that it takes at least three moles of water to achieve a stable NADES. Besides, density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that water molecules connect DL-Malic acid and L-Serine by a water bridge framework. Furthermore, the progressive addition of water facilitates the proton transfer, making the hydrogen atom of the carboxyl group gradually ionize and approach the amino group. We hope the findings would provide a better understanding of the structural characteristics of NADESs and shed light on the applications.

Development of a More Sustainable Hybrid Process for Lithium and Cobalt Recovery from Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as a power source for portable devices and electrical vehicles (EVs). After their useful life, they can provide a secondary source from which to obtain some materials which make them up, such as lithium and cobalt. However, the metallurgical route which will be used to recover them must be considered. Therefore, is crucial that many efforts to develop more environmentally favorable recovery processes be pursued. Due to this, the present work aimed to use 1.5 M DL-malic acid and compare it to 2 M sulfuric acid, employing heat pretreatment of 1 h and 3 h to remove the powder cathode binder polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); for all conditions, experiments were carried out with and without adding the oxidizing agent hydrogen peroxide. The PVDF temperature degradation occurred at 630 °C. The best yields occurred in the presence of H2O2 10% v/v and heat pretreatment. With sulfuric acid (1 h) it was possible to recover 33.49% Co and 4.63% Li, and (3 h) 36.36% Co and 4.64% Li. With DL-malic acid it was possible to recover (1 h) 29.78% Co and 3.44% Li, and (3 h) 32.73% Co and 3.99% Li.